Six inspiring reasons to buy a holiday home in South Africa

Written by Engel & Völkers on 10/18/17

When autumn descends on Europe and summer begins to fade, South Africa is only just heating up. Blessed with no shortage of natural beauty, the country's white and sun-drenched beaches merge with verdant clifftops, rolling vineyards and wildlife-dotted plains. Here are a few more reasons to buy a holiday home in South Africa.

1. The perfect weather

There’s perhaps no better antidote to a cold, grey European winter than the sunny climes of South Africa. It’s famous for its abundant sunshine, with little chance of rainfall drenching your holidays – while the world average for annual rainfall is 860mm, South Africa only receives 464mm. The climate is temperate and comfortable due to the country's high altitude, with summer highs sitting below 30°C in Johannesburg, while the coastline sees the temperature rise a bit further.

2. The bounty of fresh cuisine

From traditional to trendy, South Africa’s culinary scene has plenty on offer for discerning palates. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional fare like succulent coriander-laced boerewors sausages or a slice of cinnamon-topped milk tart. Cape Town was named the 'best food city in the world' in the 2016 Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards thanks to its wide selection: you can enjoy everything from fine dining in historic manors to sipping green juice at beachside cafés.

3. The delectable wine selection

Purchasing a holiday home in South Africa has another taste-centred benefit: the country's sprawling vineyards will be right on your doorstep. Numerous prestigious wineries including Maison Estate and Tokara are nestled in the Cape Winelands and are easily accessible from Cape Town. Spend the day sipping locally-produced pinotage or stocking up on preserves and cheese at the countryside farm stalls.

4. The sweeping landscapes

The most desirable type of holiday home in South Africa showcases the region’s extensive natural beauty. Fold-away glass doors remove all barriers between the indoors and uninterrupted panoramic ocean views at this palatial Cape Town mansion. Carefully planned structures make the most of South Africa's abundant sunshine, like at this property designed by notable architects Van Der Merwe Miszewsk, which has windows extending over several stories from floor to ceiling.

5. The proximity to wildlife

With its diverse landscape, it’s no surprise that South Africa is home to a staggering variety of wildlife. This makes a luxury home in South Africa the perfect starting point for a five-star safari. Visit the Singita Sabi Sand Game Reserve to view magnificent rhinos, lions, leopards, and hippos in the wild, or venture to the remote Kalahari Desert where you may spy the elusive black desert rhino or even the endangered pangolin. Even within the boundaries of Cape Town, you could very well spot zebras at Table Mountain or baboons at Cape Point.

6. The investment

Purchasing a holiday home in South Africa has ample long-term potential. With a shortage of luxury housing, larger properties are in high demand. Cape Town in particular has exhibited steady recent growth at a rate of 22.9% in the fourth quarter of 2016 alone.

Visit our website to view luxury home South Africa listings and find your perfect escape for the cold season. Summer in South Africa beckons with its abundant sunshine, sparkling turquoise waters and unparalleled landscapes.